Can You Keep a Baby Squirrel? A Deep Dive into the Legal and Ethical Considerations
The short answer is typically no, keeping a baby squirrel is often illegal and almost always detrimental to the squirrel’s well-being. This article explores the complexities surrounding the question of “Can you keep a baby squirrel?” and why it’s generally a bad idea.
Understanding Squirrel Biology and Needs
Squirrels, while undeniably cute, are wild animals with specific needs that are difficult to replicate in a domestic environment. Their complex behaviors, specialized diets, and instincts honed over millennia simply cannot be adequately addressed by humans. Understanding these needs is the first step in realizing why “Can you keep a baby squirrel?” is a question with serious implications.
- Dietary Requirements: Squirrels have very specific nutritional requirements that change throughout their development. Feeding them the wrong foods can lead to serious health problems, including metabolic bone disease, a condition that causes weakened bones and deformities.
- Social Needs: Squirrels are surprisingly social creatures, especially when young. They learn essential skills from their mothers and siblings. Removing a baby squirrel from its natural environment deprives it of these vital learning experiences.
- Space and Exercise: Squirrels are incredibly active and need a lot of space to run, jump, and explore. Confining them to a cage or a small indoor space is cruel and can lead to behavioral problems.
- Natural Instincts: Squirrels have strong instincts, such as burying nuts and building nests. These instincts are fundamental to their well-being, and denying them the opportunity to express these behaviors can cause stress and frustration.
The Legal Landscape of Squirrel Ownership
Laws regarding wildlife possession vary dramatically from state to state, and even from county to county. Ignoring these laws can result in hefty fines, legal action, and even the forced relocation of the squirrel.
- State Regulations: Many states prohibit the possession of wild animals, including squirrels, without proper permits or licenses. These regulations are in place to protect both the animals and the public.
- Federal Regulations: Federal laws may also apply, particularly if the squirrel is an endangered or threatened species.
- Permitting Process: Obtaining a permit to keep a wild animal is often a complex and lengthy process. It typically requires demonstrating expertise in animal care, providing adequate housing, and adhering to strict regulations.
- Consequences of Illegal Possession: Fines for illegally possessing a squirrel can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. In some cases, individuals may also face jail time.
Here’s a simplified example of how hypothetical states might regulate squirrel ownership:
| State | Squirrel Ownership Allowed? | Permit Required? | Specific Restrictions? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ———— | —————————– | —————– | ————————- |
| State Alpha | No | N/A | Absolutely Prohibited |
| State Beta | Yes, with permit | Yes | Specific housing size, diet restrictions. |
| State Gamma | Only for rehabilitation | Yes | Must be released after rehabilitation |
The Ethical Considerations of Keeping a Baby Squirrel
Beyond the legal ramifications, there are significant ethical considerations to contemplate. The well-being of the squirrel should always be the paramount concern. Even with the best intentions, it’s incredibly difficult to provide a rescued baby squirrel with everything it needs to thrive.
- Wild vs. Domesticated: Squirrels are wild animals, not domesticated pets. Their behavior is driven by instinct, not by a desire to please humans.
- Impact on the Squirrel: Removing a baby squirrel from its natural environment can have devastating consequences. It can disrupt its development, reduce its chances of survival, and potentially expose it to diseases.
- Impact on the Environment: Keeping a wild animal as a pet can also have negative impacts on the environment. Released or escaped squirrels can disrupt local ecosystems and spread diseases to native populations.
- The Role of Wildlife Rehabilitators: Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are trained to care for injured or orphaned animals and release them back into the wild. They have the knowledge, experience, and resources to provide the best possible care for squirrels. If you find a baby squirrel that seems to need help, contact a licensed rehabilitator immediately.
Common Mistakes People Make When Attempting to Care for Baby Squirrels
Well-meaning individuals often make critical mistakes when trying to raise baby squirrels, leading to severe health problems and even death.
- Improper Diet: Feeding a baby squirrel cow’s milk or other inappropriate foods can cause diarrhea, dehydration, and malnutrition.
- Failure to Provide Warmth: Baby squirrels are highly susceptible to hypothermia. They need to be kept warm and dry, especially in the early stages of development.
- Lack of Socialization: Squirrels need to be socialized with other squirrels to learn essential skills, such as foraging and nest building.
- Inadequate Housing: Providing a cage that is too small or lacks appropriate enrichment can lead to boredom, stress, and behavioral problems.
Finding a Baby Squirrel: What To Do
If you find a baby squirrel, resist the urge to scoop it up and take it home. Instead, follow these steps:
- Observe from a Distance: The mother may be nearby, foraging for food or temporarily away from the nest. Observe the squirrel for several hours to see if the mother returns.
- Look for Signs of Injury: Check the squirrel for any obvious injuries, such as broken bones or open wounds.
- Contact a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator: If the mother does not return or the squirrel appears to be injured, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They can assess the situation and provide the appropriate care.
- Provide Temporary Shelter: If you need to provide temporary shelter for the squirrel while waiting for a rehabilitator, place it in a warm, dark, and quiet box lined with soft towels. Avoid handling the squirrel more than necessary.
Releasing a Rehabilitated Squirrel
Once a squirrel has been successfully rehabilitated, it’s essential to release it back into the wild in a suitable location.
- Choose a Safe Location: Select a location that is near trees, food sources, and other squirrels. Avoid areas with heavy traffic or predators.
- Provide a Soft Release: Gradually introduce the squirrel to its new environment by providing food and water in a sheltered area for several days.
- Monitor the Squirrel’s Progress: Observe the squirrel to ensure that it is adjusting well to its new surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it ever okay to keep a baby squirrel?
The only legitimate reason to keep a baby squirrel is if you are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. These individuals have the training and resources to provide the specialized care that orphaned or injured squirrels need before being released back into the wild.
What do I feed a baby squirrel?
Feeding a baby squirrel requires specialized knowledge. Do not feed them cow’s milk. Consult a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance on appropriate formulas and feeding schedules. Giving them incorrect food can cause fatal health complications.
How do I keep a baby squirrel warm?
Baby squirrels need external warmth. Use a heating pad set on low, wrapped in a towel, or a warm water bottle (again, wrapped in a towel). Avoid direct contact with the heat source to prevent burns.
What kind of cage does a baby squirrel need?
A baby squirrel’s cage should be spacious and secure. As they grow, they will require a much larger enclosure suitable for climbing and exercising. Cages intended for hamsters are not appropriate for a growing squirrel.
How do I socialize a baby squirrel?
Socialization is best left to wildlife rehabilitators. They will often raise orphaned squirrels together to facilitate natural social interactions and learning.
Can I litter box train a squirrel?
While some people claim to have litter box trained squirrels, it’s not a natural behavior for them. Focusing on their natural instincts and providing enrichment is generally a more productive approach.
Are squirrels dangerous?
Squirrels can bite or scratch if they feel threatened. They also carry parasites and diseases. It is important to handle them with caution and seek professional help if necessary.
How long do squirrels live?
In the wild, squirrels typically live for 2-6 years. In captivity, with proper care, they can live longer, but replicating their wild environment is extremely difficult.
What if the mother squirrel doesn’t come back?
Observe the baby squirrel for a few hours. If the mother doesn’t return, or the squirrel appears injured or distressed, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Do not attempt to care for it yourself.
Can I release a squirrel I’ve raised back into the wild?
Releasing a squirrel you’ve raised without proper rehabilitation is highly discouraged. It will likely lack the necessary skills to survive and could be easily preyed upon.
What diseases can squirrels carry?
Squirrels can carry diseases such as rabies, tularemia, and leptospirosis. It’s important to avoid direct contact with their saliva and feces, and to seek medical attention if you are bitten or scratched.
Why is it so important to contact a wildlife rehabilitator?
Wildlife rehabilitators are trained and licensed to care for injured and orphaned wild animals. They have the knowledge, experience, and resources to provide the best possible care and increase the animal’s chances of survival and successful release back into its natural habitat. The question of “Can you keep a baby squirrel?” is almost always best answered with a referral to these professionals.